Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?

Are your children old enough to handle the responsibility?

If you have children under the age of six and don't yet have a dog, you may want to wait a few years. Young children are not usually responsible enough to help take care of a dog, and may not understand the proper way to handle one, either. Waiting to get a dog until your children are older will help you avoid any mistreatment of the dog, as well as any unwanted bites or growls.

Having a pet is a great way to teach your children the importance of responsibility, but it's also important to make sure your family is mature enough for the commitment.

what’s hot

highlights

Vote Now for the Children's & Teen Choice Book Awards
Voting is open now through May 3 for the Children's and Teen Choice Book Awards — the only national book awards program where the winning author, illustrator, and books of the year are selected by young readers. Encourage your child to vote for his favorites today!

Find Today's Newest & Best Children's Books!
Looking for newly released books for your child? Try our new Book Finder tool to search for new books by age, type, and theme, and create reading lists for kids!

Top 10 Math & Science Apps for Your Whiz Kid
Looking for the best math and science apps for kids? Check out these cool apps for all ages, which will grow your child's love of the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Registered for Kindergarten — Now What?
Wondering what to do now that you've signed your child up for kindergarten? Try our award-winning Kindergarten Readiness app! This easy-to-use checklist comes with games and activities to help your child build essential skills for kindergarten. Download the Kindergarten Readiness app today!

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.